Centro de Documentacion de Fundación MAPFRE - Wrist postures and forces in tree planters during three tree unloading conditions

Notes: Sumario: The aims of this study were to investigate wrist postures and forces while operating the shovel during tree planting and to determine if different tree unloading techniques result in variations in wrist postures and forces. Experienced tree planters performed the planting task in a laboratory environment for three conditions: (1) symmetric tree unloading, and asymmetric unloading resulting in (2) right-loaded planting bags and (3) left-loaded planting bags. An optoelectric system and a shovel instrumented with strain gauges captured wrist posture and forces at the wrist, respectively. Wrist extension of up to 45° was observed, and this posture, in combination with varying degrees of wrist deviation, may be a primary risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. Average resultant forces at the wrist were moderately high (>30 N) for each unloading condition, indicating increased risk for the development of repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. No significant differences in wrist posture or forces existed between unloading conditions.Related records: En: Ergonomics : the international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics. - Oxon [United Kingdom] : Taylor & Francis, 2010- = ISSN 0014-0139. - 07/10/2013 Volumen 56 Número 10 - octubre 2013 Other categories: 875

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